Post by Admin on Aug 4, 2005 13:49:12 GMT 1
Hi...I am back from 8 days Transhumance, herding wild horses from outside Rome to way up in the mountains, owned and organised by a wonderful man, Manlio Fani. He was the man I wanted to connect with regarding putting my mare Lona in with the herd. He has said 'yes' immediately, although it will be difficult. I am boxing her down there to join the now in situ herd on Thursday....he will have her covered immediately by the stallion running with the mares....he will put a bell on her so that he can keep a check on her occasionally. Her shoes came off 6 weeks ago and although I thought at the time she would join the herd perhaps in the winter after they came down to their winter pasture, therefore giving her 6 months to be without, she seems to be coping very well...initially she was extremely lame, but 6 weeks has proven enough time for her to walk reasonably well. And me? Well, I am extremely nervous for her...and upset at loosing her, but what a break, it's this or a dealer, who in turn would sell her on to people who would find her too difficult and mean, and she would go from piller to post, getting more and more angry and possibly seriously dangerous...so to have the chance of running with a wild herd is an offer not to miss. Manglio has warned me, she will change, enormously....she's in splendid condition now, if not a bit fat, shiny like a new penny, and alert and cross. Once she joins the herd of 160 mares plus foals, and one stallion she'll have her work cut out, and more than likely will be knocked into place pretty darn quick (oh dear)....however, I mustn't look back, and I see that she has a charmed life to have this chance. On Thursday I will take some photo's but knowing me, I'll be feeling pretty choked-up. It'll be a long journey that day, nearer 4hrs, the last bit being on narrow, twisty roads up and up....however, I will post a few 'goodbye' photo's of Lona Just thought you'd all like to know....I, of course will follow up with how she is getting on from time to time as it's an interesting concept, a domesticated horse joining a wild herd....but she isn't the first he's taken on, apparently he has a few in there already. Horses that have become difficult or impossible to handle...however, time will tell, and I will keep the 'interested' informed.....'bye for now, think of me on Thursday...
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From :
Date : 07.06.05 1:01:00 PM
Aww Nikki - I have tears in my eyes........
A brave decision but like you say the alternative is not favourable!
I'm sure it will all go well - at least she will have the good weather to get used to being 'wild' and will have plenty of time to grow a suitable coat for the winter.
I'm sure she will always love you for what you've done for her. It takes a special person to be able to do something like this.....
big hugs and safe journey )
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From :
Date : 07.06.05 1:05:00 PM
Hang on here - is this just not abandonment in another name?
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Barbara
Date : 07.06.05 1:06:00 PM
what a lucky horse to have an open minded person with the opportunity to do this.
Take care
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Neal
Date : 07.06.05 1:08:00 PM
Please tell us more. Any web sites about this place. Wher is etc.
I'm part Italian and feel like I might be missing Italy.
You are either brilliant or mad.
Please let me know as much as possible.
My head is empty in this department.
Please mail me if that's better.
nippycolt@excite.com
If not don't worry about it; I'll live.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Chris
Date : 07.06.05 1:13:00 PM
It sounds amazing. I had no idea there were wild herds roaming about in Italy. Please post some photos if you can!
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Icicle
Date : 07.06.05 1:18:00 PM
Wow, I don't know your previous story but what an amazing opportunity.
You are so brave making this decision and I feel humble reading all about it.
Good luck to both of you
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Adam
Date : 07.06.05 1:20:00 PM
What a lovely thing to do for her. She will be so happyt there I reckon.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 07.06.05 1:24:00 PM
Hi, I have to laugh really...ABONDONMENT? Are you crazy? Maybe you should read the problems I have had with Lona....I live in Italy, we don't have the same opportunities you have of re-homing horses with problems...my Vet doesn't know of ONE SINGLE Vet who would put her down because she is dangerous...I have made the decision to put her in a herd because I am lucky enough to know a man with a herd....other horses here are not so lucky, they get given/brought by dealers, dangerous horses, ill ones, old ones too old to do anything with, abandoned ones and their fates are questionable. I feel I am giving her a last chance...at least she'll live the life of a horse, and will have to take what comes to the herd, whatever that will entail....there will be all sorts of dangers, wolves for example, but I would prefer her to have an honerable death, rather than being beaten-up for bad and dangerous behaviour and then eventually sent to the knackers-yard. She could live a long/happy and productive life, I only wish I could be there too.
Neal: Hi, there is no web-site, no communication, I just know him. He isn't a commercial entity, he's a horseman of generations of horsemen, and he lives in the Abruzzi mountains outside Rome - I met him when I bought another mare from him, Sabina. He is one of the most extraordinary men I have ever had the luck to meet. I will be writing and putting up photo's of the Transhumance trip later on this week when I've sifted through the 300 or so we took!!
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : sula's mum
Date : 07.06.05 1:43:00 PM
What a wonderful piece of unselfishness from you Nikki, I am sure your mare will have a wonderful time once she has settled, and will thank you for it. Will you be able to have her foal if and when she has one ?
Good luck to you, thinking of you both on Thursday.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : susan - greece
Date : 07.06.05 1:45:00 PM
hi there nikki, well done for sorting this out for Lona. quite obviously the best thing for her. i will check back in to see your photos for sure.
and transhumance ...i remember your writing about this last year. sounds quite amazing. pics please please!
x
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : RJ
Date : 07.06.05 1:47:00 PM
Agree - how fantastic for your horse: Is this a permanent arrangement, & do you stay in touch with her? I do remember reading about the story earlier, so good luck with this. What an experiment too, to see if she can in fact find her own peace in a natural environment.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Chris
Date : 07.06.05 1:49:00 PM
Nikki, part of me feels very comforted that there people and horses still exist in this wild way particularly in Europe. What an extraordinary story,you are so lucky.
(Actually, I have a sneaking desire to run away from this bl***y office and go live with horses in the mountains and never come back!)
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : CatherineB
Date : 07.06.05 1:51:00 PM
Hi Nikki
I've followed your stories about Lona over the years and think you've made a very brave and excellent decision. Good for you.
Good luck with everything and I'm looking forward to the photos
Catherine
Subject : Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From :
Date : 11.07.05 9:10:00 PM
What's the latest
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 15.07.05 8:59:00 PM
Hi, sorry not to have been on before tonight, but have been away in England for a week, plus my son's birthday yesterday, etc. etc.
So, Lona is now in the main herd....it came as a surprise to me too, as initially, Manlio, our friend, suggested she stay with the 4 other mares, in a safe 350 acre enclosure, THEN join the main herd. It's a bit confusing 'why' he decided to just put them in without this period, but he has and he has 'glowing' reports. At first, on his farm, Lona decided, waaaaay before time, that she was going to be No. 1 and kicked and bullied her way to the top, (of 4 mares, not so hard) She attacked a stable hand at 200 meters, (charging at him at a full gallop) she bit Manlio, and generally behaved as normal.....he reckoned she would have NO PROBLEM IN THE HERD...she would survive. There are some pretty tough cookies out there in his herd, excluding the stallion, so she'll have her time cut out, but who knows, in a couple of years, if she makes it, she may even be Number 1 mare!! She's pregnant, and that's for sure, which I am thrilled about. She was covered several times by Manlio's top stallion at the farm...she would have lost weight, and probably her gloss, but she's alive and living the life of a brood mare, wild up in the mountains, and I am very happy for her. OH and I plan to go up some day, to get some cooler air, and with Manlio's help, try and spot her, just to see.....we will see her in any case later on this year, as we plan to join the 'butteri' bringing down the herd to their winter pasture.....a much faster, colder and altogether different experience than the one we've just done. That happens in mid-December, when the snow apparently at the beginning of the ride down, comes up to the breast of your horse!!! So, for now, that's my summary of Lona, I hope a happier horse than she was. I will certainly let you know more when I know.....who are you by the way?
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : LynnG
Date : 15.07.05 9:12:00 PM
Hi Nikki
Wasnt me who started the thread but I just want to say I am so happy to hear she is holding her own and enjoying just being a horse without too much human contact.
This will be the best thing to have happened to her in a long time..well done to you for being brave enough to give her this chance.
Lynng x
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Louise C
Date : 15.07.05 10:44:00 PM
Wow, that's the life!
Keep us posted Nikki, it's such an interesting project.
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Wendy
Date : 15.07.05 11:24:00 PM
I can just imagine Manlio thinking "I bet she'll be fine in the main herd..." after seeing her behaviour! LOL Did he get the bell on her?
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 16.07.05 6:17:00 AM
Hi Wendy, yes, she will have on a bell, so once we spot the herd, it won't be too difficult to see her, although they do spread out a bit. Also, if I get close enough, I'll zoom in on some the the horses feet for you!! (having failed you so miserably last time!)
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : sula's mum
Date : 16.07.05 8:18:00 AM
You certainly made the right decision Nikki, it sounds as if she is having a wonderful time. No one could have done better for her
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From :
Date : 07.06.05 1:01:00 PM
Aww Nikki - I have tears in my eyes........
A brave decision but like you say the alternative is not favourable!
I'm sure it will all go well - at least she will have the good weather to get used to being 'wild' and will have plenty of time to grow a suitable coat for the winter.
I'm sure she will always love you for what you've done for her. It takes a special person to be able to do something like this.....
big hugs and safe journey )
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From :
Date : 07.06.05 1:05:00 PM
Hang on here - is this just not abandonment in another name?
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Barbara
Date : 07.06.05 1:06:00 PM
what a lucky horse to have an open minded person with the opportunity to do this.
Take care
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Neal
Date : 07.06.05 1:08:00 PM
Please tell us more. Any web sites about this place. Wher is etc.
I'm part Italian and feel like I might be missing Italy.
You are either brilliant or mad.
Please let me know as much as possible.
My head is empty in this department.
Please mail me if that's better.
nippycolt@excite.com
If not don't worry about it; I'll live.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Chris
Date : 07.06.05 1:13:00 PM
It sounds amazing. I had no idea there were wild herds roaming about in Italy. Please post some photos if you can!
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Icicle
Date : 07.06.05 1:18:00 PM
Wow, I don't know your previous story but what an amazing opportunity.
You are so brave making this decision and I feel humble reading all about it.
Good luck to both of you
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Adam
Date : 07.06.05 1:20:00 PM
What a lovely thing to do for her. She will be so happyt there I reckon.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 07.06.05 1:24:00 PM
Hi, I have to laugh really...ABONDONMENT? Are you crazy? Maybe you should read the problems I have had with Lona....I live in Italy, we don't have the same opportunities you have of re-homing horses with problems...my Vet doesn't know of ONE SINGLE Vet who would put her down because she is dangerous...I have made the decision to put her in a herd because I am lucky enough to know a man with a herd....other horses here are not so lucky, they get given/brought by dealers, dangerous horses, ill ones, old ones too old to do anything with, abandoned ones and their fates are questionable. I feel I am giving her a last chance...at least she'll live the life of a horse, and will have to take what comes to the herd, whatever that will entail....there will be all sorts of dangers, wolves for example, but I would prefer her to have an honerable death, rather than being beaten-up for bad and dangerous behaviour and then eventually sent to the knackers-yard. She could live a long/happy and productive life, I only wish I could be there too.
Neal: Hi, there is no web-site, no communication, I just know him. He isn't a commercial entity, he's a horseman of generations of horsemen, and he lives in the Abruzzi mountains outside Rome - I met him when I bought another mare from him, Sabina. He is one of the most extraordinary men I have ever had the luck to meet. I will be writing and putting up photo's of the Transhumance trip later on this week when I've sifted through the 300 or so we took!!
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : sula's mum
Date : 07.06.05 1:43:00 PM
What a wonderful piece of unselfishness from you Nikki, I am sure your mare will have a wonderful time once she has settled, and will thank you for it. Will you be able to have her foal if and when she has one ?
Good luck to you, thinking of you both on Thursday.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : susan - greece
Date : 07.06.05 1:45:00 PM
hi there nikki, well done for sorting this out for Lona. quite obviously the best thing for her. i will check back in to see your photos for sure.
and transhumance ...i remember your writing about this last year. sounds quite amazing. pics please please!
x
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : RJ
Date : 07.06.05 1:47:00 PM
Agree - how fantastic for your horse: Is this a permanent arrangement, & do you stay in touch with her? I do remember reading about the story earlier, so good luck with this. What an experiment too, to see if she can in fact find her own peace in a natural environment.
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : Chris
Date : 07.06.05 1:49:00 PM
Nikki, part of me feels very comforted that there people and horses still exist in this wild way particularly in Europe. What an extraordinary story,you are so lucky.
(Actually, I have a sneaking desire to run away from this bl***y office and go live with horses in the mountains and never come back!)
Subject : re:- To: Wild Thing & anyone else interested in my mare going into a wild herd - Italy
From : CatherineB
Date : 07.06.05 1:51:00 PM
Hi Nikki
I've followed your stories about Lona over the years and think you've made a very brave and excellent decision. Good for you.
Good luck with everything and I'm looking forward to the photos
Catherine
Subject : Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From :
Date : 11.07.05 9:10:00 PM
What's the latest
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 15.07.05 8:59:00 PM
Hi, sorry not to have been on before tonight, but have been away in England for a week, plus my son's birthday yesterday, etc. etc.
So, Lona is now in the main herd....it came as a surprise to me too, as initially, Manlio, our friend, suggested she stay with the 4 other mares, in a safe 350 acre enclosure, THEN join the main herd. It's a bit confusing 'why' he decided to just put them in without this period, but he has and he has 'glowing' reports. At first, on his farm, Lona decided, waaaaay before time, that she was going to be No. 1 and kicked and bullied her way to the top, (of 4 mares, not so hard) She attacked a stable hand at 200 meters, (charging at him at a full gallop) she bit Manlio, and generally behaved as normal.....he reckoned she would have NO PROBLEM IN THE HERD...she would survive. There are some pretty tough cookies out there in his herd, excluding the stallion, so she'll have her time cut out, but who knows, in a couple of years, if she makes it, she may even be Number 1 mare!! She's pregnant, and that's for sure, which I am thrilled about. She was covered several times by Manlio's top stallion at the farm...she would have lost weight, and probably her gloss, but she's alive and living the life of a brood mare, wild up in the mountains, and I am very happy for her. OH and I plan to go up some day, to get some cooler air, and with Manlio's help, try and spot her, just to see.....we will see her in any case later on this year, as we plan to join the 'butteri' bringing down the herd to their winter pasture.....a much faster, colder and altogether different experience than the one we've just done. That happens in mid-December, when the snow apparently at the beginning of the ride down, comes up to the breast of your horse!!! So, for now, that's my summary of Lona, I hope a happier horse than she was. I will certainly let you know more when I know.....who are you by the way?
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : LynnG
Date : 15.07.05 9:12:00 PM
Hi Nikki
Wasnt me who started the thread but I just want to say I am so happy to hear she is holding her own and enjoying just being a horse without too much human contact.
This will be the best thing to have happened to her in a long time..well done to you for being brave enough to give her this chance.
Lynng x
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Louise C
Date : 15.07.05 10:44:00 PM
Wow, that's the life!
Keep us posted Nikki, it's such an interesting project.
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Wendy
Date : 15.07.05 11:24:00 PM
I can just imagine Manlio thinking "I bet she'll be fine in the main herd..." after seeing her behaviour! LOL Did he get the bell on her?
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : Nikki - Italy
Date : 16.07.05 6:17:00 AM
Hi Wendy, yes, she will have on a bell, so once we spot the herd, it won't be too difficult to see her, although they do spread out a bit. Also, if I get close enough, I'll zoom in on some the the horses feet for you!! (having failed you so miserably last time!)
Subject : re:- Any update on Nikki Italy horse
From : sula's mum
Date : 16.07.05 8:18:00 AM
You certainly made the right decision Nikki, it sounds as if she is having a wonderful time. No one could have done better for her